Sunday, May 29, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Generosity and the Gospel
This week, I want to be sure you know that a significant percentage of our budget goes outside our walls as soon as it comes in to local and world missions. Old North is a generous church, and we do much to partner with ministries that are reaching people for Christ. One of the things you might not know, is that over the last 20 years, Old North Church has given close to several hundred thousand dollars to young churches to help them grow. Some of them are in our state, or in our District- but some of them are very close.
One of those young church’s pastors, and two of our Global Missionaries are going to join us Sunday. Josh Shank, founding pastor of Youngstown Metro Church; and Ken and Pat Goss, missionaries to China will be here. It will be a great opportunity to hear what God has done and is doing through their ministries, so come with anticipation!
By the way, this is a good time to remind ourselves that giving to our local church should be a priority. Throughout the New Testament we see examples of the local church as the launching pad for gospel ministry. One example is found in Acts 13 when the church in Antioch sends out Paul (then Saul) and Barnabas to preach the gospel. In another example, Paul tells the Corinthians that they would be “enriched in every way”, as they were “generous in every way” (2 Corinthians 9:11, ESV). He went on to say their cheerful and generous giving would produce thanksgiving to God and demonstrate their response to the gospel. Giving to our local church is a great opportunity to respond to the gospel and further its impact in the world.
I want you to know that when you give to Old North, your giving touches people locally and around the world. Do you know who we support? Do you know our missionaries? Do you know how many people are being touched by the gospel each week because of the resources you contribute?
Come Sunday and see what God is doing- and thank you for your partnership in the gospel!
Brent
One of those young church’s pastors, and two of our Global Missionaries are going to join us Sunday. Josh Shank, founding pastor of Youngstown Metro Church; and Ken and Pat Goss, missionaries to China will be here. It will be a great opportunity to hear what God has done and is doing through their ministries, so come with anticipation!
By the way, this is a good time to remind ourselves that giving to our local church should be a priority. Throughout the New Testament we see examples of the local church as the launching pad for gospel ministry. One example is found in Acts 13 when the church in Antioch sends out Paul (then Saul) and Barnabas to preach the gospel. In another example, Paul tells the Corinthians that they would be “enriched in every way”, as they were “generous in every way” (2 Corinthians 9:11, ESV). He went on to say their cheerful and generous giving would produce thanksgiving to God and demonstrate their response to the gospel. Giving to our local church is a great opportunity to respond to the gospel and further its impact in the world.
I want you to know that when you give to Old North, your giving touches people locally and around the world. Do you know who we support? Do you know our missionaries? Do you know how many people are being touched by the gospel each week because of the resources you contribute?
Come Sunday and see what God is doing- and thank you for your partnership in the gospel!
Brent
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